Feather lei construction



Nov. 10, 1970 F. K. o. CHEE FEATHER LEI CONSTRUCTION Filed Feb. 9, 1968 I N VEN TOR.

arr/m {@44 United States Patent Office 3,539,432 Patented Nov. 10, 1970 3,539,432 FEATHER LEI CONSTRUCTION Frederick K. O. Chee, 99-846 Aliipoe Drive, Aiea, Hawaii 96701 Filed Feb. 9, 1968, Ser. No. 704,481 Int. Cl. A41g 9/00; A47g 33/08 US. Cl. 161-15 11 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to a decorative ornament, and more particularly, a novel feather lei construction.

The feather lei construction is made from individual sections strung together. Because the lei comprises a number of individual sections, different styles and effects can be created in the same lei, by the substitution of one segment for another. In the case of damage to a particular section, it could be discarded and replaced.

I have also found that by producing leis in sections, the cost of producing each lei is substantially reduced. Less feathers are required for each lei, while the illusion of fullness is still retained in the finished product. Finally, production time is reduced because more than one person can work on fabricating the same lei at the same time.

Accordingly, it is the object of this invention to provide a feather lei constructed from separate segments, strung together to create a lei which is more economical to produce, lends itself to a variety of styles and effects, and can be repaired.

Further objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description and claims, and from the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an end view in elevation of one form of lei section;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the lei section shown in FIG. 1, taken along the line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view in elevation of the lei section shown in FIG. 2, prior to completion, and illustrating the manner of its construction;

FIG. 4 is a side view in elevation of the complete lei, after each lei section illustrated in FIG. 2 is strung together;

FIG. 5 is an end view in elevation of an alternative form of lei section;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the lei section shown in FIG. 5, taken along line 66 of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of various elements of the lei section shown in FIG. 6.

Referring now to the drawing in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, one form of feather lei construction contemplated by this invention is illustrated in FIGS. l-4 and generally designated by the numeral 10.

Lei 10 is formed from a number of individual sections 12, strung together on a cord 14.

Each lei section 12 includes a polystyrene foam or other similar material, central support block 16, which is generally cylindrical in shape. Layers of feathers 18, having sharp points 20, are inserted into the foam block 16, and held permanently in place with a suitable adhesive.

Each layer of feathers should consist of at least four feathers evenly spaced around block 16. As shown more clearly in FIG. 3, the first layer is inserted adjacent one longitudinal edge 24 of block -16, approximately apart, as represented by holes 26. The next layer of four feathers are inserted into block 16, closely adjacent to the first layer, but staggered 45 from the preceding layer, as represented by holes 28. Each alternate layer of feathers is staggered 45 from the preceding layer, except that each series of two layers are spaced a relatively large distance apart from the preceding two layers. In FIG. 3, for example, the next two layers of feathers are represented by holes 30 and 32, which are adjacent the opposite longitudinal edge 34 of support block 16.

This method of spacing creates the illusion that each adjacent layer of feathers are actually one, consisting of eight feathers spaced 45 apart. When the sections 12 are strung together on cord 14, each closely spaced two layers of feathers will be evenly spaced from the next two layers. As shown in the drawings each feather is curved and will fit or cover the empty spaces between each series of adjacent layers. The overall effect, when the sections are strung, is shown in FIG. 4, where adjacent layers of feathers will overlap, and the lei 10 will appear to be full.

A small diameter bore 36 is formed along the longitudinal axis of and through each cylindrical support block 16. The individual sections 12 can then be strung together by cord 14 to form lei 10, and the ends of the cord 14 knotted, as shown at 38.

If one of sections 12 is damaged, it could be easily removed by untying knot 38, and sliding it along the cord 14. Another section 12 could replace it. Multicolored leis could be manufactured by using different colored feathers 18 in each section. Different styles may be created by cutting or curving the feathers 18 in each section 12 to a different shape.

FIGS. 5 to 7 illustrate an alternative embodiment of feather lei section, generally designated by the numeral 40.

Feather lei section 40 includes two thick paper discs 42 and 44, sandwiching a plurality of evenly spaced, backwardly curved feathers 46, around their periphery. The ends of feathers 46 are permanently held in place between discs 42 and 44 by a suitable adhesive. The ends of each feather 46 may be cut in different ways to make each feather section even in size and to create different effects.

A foam cylinder 48 is used as a spacer between each lei section 40, as shown in FIG. 6; the adjacent lei section 40, being shown in phantom.

Discs 42 and 44 include centrally located bores 50 and 52, respectively. Foam spacer 48 includes a centrally located bore 54.

As shown in FIG. 6, a cord 56 is inserted through bores 50 and 52 in discs 42 and 44 in each adjacent lei section 40. Cord 56 passes through the bore 54 in a spacer 48, placed between sections 40. The feathers 46 on adjacent sections 40 overlap and cover spacers 48 and discs 42, 44 to achieve the illusion of integrity and fullness. When the desired number of sections 40 are strung, the ends of cord 56 are knotted to complete the lei.

While specific embodiments of my invention have been disclosed in the foregoing description, it will be understood that various modifications within the spirit of the invention may occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that no limitations be placed on the invention except as defined by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. As an article of manufacture, a lei construction comprising a plurality of separate support sections, a plurality of decorative articles secured to each support section, and

means for stringing each support section together in tandem, and wherein said decorative articles are feathers adhesively connected to each support section.

2. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 1 wherein each support section includes a foam block.

3. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 1 wherein each support section includes a pair of overlapping discs sandwiching said decorative articles therebetween and including a spacer element between each pair of overlapping dics strung in tandem.

4. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 3 wherein said decorative articles are feathers spaced about and adhesively secured to the peripheries of said discs.

5. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 2 wherein said feathers are inserted into and arranged in layers about the periphery of said block.

6. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 5 wherein the feathers in any one layer are inserted in said block in staggered relation to the feathers in an adjacent layer.

7. As an article of manufacture, a feather lei section comprising a support, and a plurality of feathers secured about the periphery of said support, said support having a centrally located bore adapted to receive means for stringing said section.

8. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 7 wherein said support includes a foam block, said feathers being inserted into and arranged in layers about the periphery of said block.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,024,272 4/1912 Metzger 16l11 1,033,898 7/1912 Isham -234 1,158,076 10/1915 Rossig et al. 161-15 1,177,960 4/1916 Michel 16111 XR 1,475,784 11/1923 Bentkamp 161-9 1,593,450 7/1926 Heaven 161-15 XR 2,546,563 3/1951 Rodin et al. 161ll XR 2,727,326 12/1955 MacGregor 161-9 XR JOHN T. GOULKASIAN, Primary Examiner H. E. EPSTEIN, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 

